London Design Week 2017

London Design Week 2017

This week we took a trip to the Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour for London Design Week 2017. The centre is home to over 120 showrooms of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands such as our favourites Sanderson and GP & J Baker amongst others.  A great opportunity for us to be inspired by these key designers showcasing their upholstery fabrics.

A highlight of our trip to the Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour was a visit to the Chase Erwin show room, where we watched a demonstration of hand weaving on a Harris table loom.  Listen carefully for Scott grilling the talented weaver on the process.

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day – 8 March 2017

As its International Women’s Day today, its a good opportunity to introduce you to the beautiful and strong women at Hill Upholstery & Design.
International Women's Day - meet the talented women of Hill Upholstery & Design

 

Top left: Tanya Hill, co founder of Hill Upholstery
Top right: Helen, the Office Manager
Bottom left: Mandy our very talented Machinist
Bottom right: Hayley our always helpful Office Assistant

What Makes Good Quality Upholstered Furniture?

What makes good quality upholstered furniture?

If you are looking to buy good quality upholstered furniture to be a feature of your living area for years to come, then there is one crucial question you must ask the seller: “How was the frame made?” This is because it is the quality of the frame that generally dictates the longevity of the furniture.

A well-made, good quality sofa or chair should have a frame made from a solid hardwood – ideally beech – with joints that are screwed, glued and dowelled.

A frame built in this way is ideal to survive the rigours of everyday use. And being solid and strong will ensure you can hold on to them for many, many years and can be reupholstered and recovered as many times as suits your needs.

Remember: Good quality furniture requires a good quality frame – and all sofas custom-made here at Hill Upholstery & Design leave our workshop with just that. Master upholsterer Scott Hill shows us in this video what was hidden inside this armchair and why the frame was certainly NOT built to last.

And here is an example of a good quality frame, which is part of a custom made suite the team are currently working on.

HALABALA Vintage Chairs

Arrived into our workshop this month are some beautiful designer Halabala Vintage Chairs. These are going to be recovered in leather from Futura’s Lena range, white leather with black piping. Keep an eye out for the fabulous finished chairs in our workshop in Essex.

JINDŘICH HALABALA vintage chairs JINDŘICH HALABALA vintage chairs 2
JINDŘICH HALABALA vintage chairs 3 JINDŘICH HALABALA vintage chairs 3

Vintage furniture enthusiasts and design connoisseurs alike have long been captivated by the timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship of Halabala Vintage Chairs. These iconic pieces, designed by the renowned Czech architect and designer Jindřich Halabala, continue to hold a significant place in the history of furniture design. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of Halabala Vintage Chairs, tracing their origins, examining their distinct design features, and celebrating their enduring appeal.

The Legacy of Jindřich Halabala:
Jindřich Halabala, a prominent figure in Czech design during the 20th century, crafted a range of furniture pieces that embodied both functionality and aesthetic beauty. Born in 1903, Halabala’s passion for architecture and design led him to establish his own furniture company in 1928. His innovative approach and focus on ergonomics revolutionised the field, with his creations leaving an indelible mark on the world of interior design.

Distinctive Design Features:
Halabala Vintage Chairs are celebrated for their distinctive design features that effortlessly blend form and function. The chairs often feature curved lines, organic shapes, and a harmonious balance between materials. Halabala’s innovative use of bentwood, tubular steel, and upholstery allowed him to create chairs that were not only visually appealing but also comfortable and practical.

Materials and Construction:
Halabala Vintage Chairs showcase a mastery of materials and construction techniques. The designer embraced the use of bentwood, a method that involved shaping and bending wood to create the chair’s frame and arms. This technique allowed for the production of elegant, lightweight, and resilient chairs. Additionally, Halabala incorporated tubular steel, which further enhanced the structural integrity of his designs.

Iconic Halabala Chair Models:
Halabala Vintage Chairs encompass a diverse range of models, each with its own unique charm. Some of the most renowned models include the H259 Armchair, characterised by its sweeping lines and distinctive armrests, and the H269 Lounge Chair, which boasts a low, reclining design that exudes comfort and style. The H367 Dining Chair stands out with its sleek silhouette and ergonomic contours, exemplifying Halabala’s commitment to functionality.

Enduring Popularity and Influence:
Decades after their creation, Halabala Vintage Chairs continue to captivate design enthusiasts and collectors around the world. Their enduring popularity can be attributed to their timeless aesthetics, exceptional craftsmanship, and the impact they have had on subsequent furniture designs.

Restoration and Preservation:
Given the age of Halabala Vintage Chairs, restoration and preservation efforts have become essential in maintaining their beauty and functionality. Skilled artisans and restoration specialists work diligently to repair and refurbish these iconic pieces, ensuring that their original charm is preserved for future generations to enjoy. These restoration projects not only breathe new life into the chairs but also highlight the importance of preserving design heritage.

Collecting Halabala Vintage Chairs:
Collecting Halabala Vintage Chairs has become a passion for many design enthusiasts. These chairs are not only sought after for their aesthetic appeal but also for their historical significance. Authenticity and condition are crucial factors when building a collection, as Halabala chairs have been imitated and reproduced over the years. Enthusiasts often engage in meticulous research and seek out reputable sources to acquire genuine pieces that hold true to Halabala’s original vision.

Halabala Chairs in Contemporary Design:
The influence of Halabala’s designs extends beyond the realm of vintage furniture. Today, contemporary designers often incorporate elements inspired by Halabala’s aesthetic into their own creations. The fusion of classic and modern design sensibilities allows for the creation of unique pieces that pay homage to Halabala’s enduring legacy while infusing a fresh and contemporary perspective.

Exhibitions and Museums:
Halabala Vintage Chairs have gained recognition not only among design enthusiasts but also in the art and museum world. Various exhibitions and museums showcase these iconic chairs, providing an opportunity for visitors to appreciate their beauty and learn about their historical significance. These exhibits celebrate Halabala’s contribution to the field of furniture design and educate the public about his innovative approach and lasting influence.

Halabala Vintage Chairs stand as testament to Jindřich Halabala’s remarkable talent and his profound impact on the world of furniture design. With their timeless elegance, distinctive design features, and exceptional craftsmanship, these chairs continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. As we celebrate their enduring allure, we recognise Halabala’s contributions as a visionary designer whose legacy remains an influential force in the realm of interior design and vintage furniture appreciation.